Breast cancer and its treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal therapy, place extraordinary demands on the body and mind, often resulting in long-lasting physical, emotional, and social challenges. While some side effects lessen with time, many persist, negatively affecting one’s daily life, independence, work, and overall quality of life.

A landmark long-term study found that nearly 90% of breast cancer survivors experience at least one treatment-related side effect within six months of diagnosis, and more than 60% continue to face physical and functional limitations six years after diagnosis. These challenges often include pain, fatigue, limited mobility, lymphedema, neurological changes, and difficulty performing everyday tasks.

The hopeful news is that many of these issues can be minimized, treated, or fully overcome through specialized physical and occupational therapy known as Breast Cancer Rehabilitation. With skilled, oncology-trained clinicians, patients can reduce cancer-related impairments, restore function, and reclaim their physical, emotional, social, and vocational well-being. Rehabilitation is not just about recovery; it is about helping people live the fullest life possible during and after cancer.

Decades of research show that Breast Cancer Rehabilitation is essential across the entire continuum of care, from diagnosis through survivorship. Its importance is nationally recognized: both the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) and the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer (CoC) require accredited programs to provide supportive care services that include access to rehabilitation. Leading clinical guidelines, including the NCCN and ASCO Survivorship Guidelines, also recommend rehabilitation as part of high-quality cancer care. Together, these standards affirm that cancer rehabilitation is not optional, but a vital component of evidence-based care for those affected by cancer.

Yet despite the robust evidence and the clear need, Breast Cancer Rehabilitation remains dramatically underused. Research shows that fewer than 10% of survivors are referred for Cancer Rehabilitation, and only 2–9% actually receive this essential specialized care. This medical care gap has profound consequences: when rehabilitation needs go unmet, survivors experience lower quality of life, diminished physical functioning, and higher levels of distress.

So, why exactly aren’t more individuals receiving Breast Cancer Rehabilitation?

Even with strong evidence and national guidelines supporting it, access to Breast Cancer Rehabilitation remains limited. Experts point to several persistent barriers across the cancer care system, including:

• Financial barriers, including high out-of-pocket costs and inadequate insurance coverage.

• Limited awareness among both patients and healthcare providers about Breast Cancer Rehabilitation.

• Geographic and system-level limitations restrict access in many communities.

• Shortages of oncology-trained rehabilitation specialists nationwide.

• Inconsistent referral pathways and limited institutional support

• Disparities tied to race, ethnicity, age, income, and other social determinants of health

At Well Beyond Breast Cancer, we are committed to removing these barriers so every person can access the rehabilitation care necessary to heal fully and live well.

Our mission is to improve the quality of life of the breast cancer community by expanding access to Breast Cancer Rehabilitation. By advancing equitable access to this essential care, we aim to close gaps in the cancer care continuum, strengthen survivorship outcomes, and help create a healthier, more equitable future for every individual and family affected by breast cancer.